Post stabilizer

ABSTRACT

A post stabilizing device including a plurality of interconnectable plates is provided. Each of the plates has one or more series of slots that can be mated with slots in one or more of the remaining plates. The plates can be driven into the ground before or after the post intended to be stabilized. The post stabilizing devices help keep a post in place by requiring large amounts of earth to be displaced in order for the post to move in any direction, thus, stabilizing the post.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/313,216, filed Dec. 6, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for stabilizing posts and like structures, and to methods for using such devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For as long as there have been posts and poles driven into the ground to perform a task such as holding up a flag, mailbox, fence, sign or the like, there has been the problem of keeping the posts in an upright position to do what they were intended to do. Factors that contribute to posts moving out of position include wind, upper weight, loose soil, insufficient ground depth, and structural integrity. One of the common solutions for stabilizing posts has been to dig the receiving-hole larger than necessary and to fill the extra space with concrete. Although this solution in many instances accomplishes the job, the use of concrete has some shortcomings. For example, employing concrete adds time and expense to the erection and stabilization of posts and poles. A concrete base can create a problem if a post needs to be replaced because of damage, decay or just needs to be removed. Furthermore, in many situations it is advantageous to drive posts into the ground rather than to dig a hole, in which case concrete cannot be used. Thus, there is a need for a simple and reusable device for stabilizing posts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to post stabilizing devices including a plurality of interconnecting plates that can be placed into the ground before or after a post is placed into the ground. While not wanting to be bound by a specific theory of operation, it is believed that preferred embodiments stabilize posts and poles by increasing the amount of soil that has to be displaced in order for the post to move out of position. The devices can include similar or dissimilar plates.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there has now be provided a post stabilizing device including a plurality of interconnecting plates for positioning around a post. Each of the plates has one or more series of slots formed therein along a length of the plates. At least one of the plates has spacing between slots within the one or more series of slots that is non-uniform.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there has now been provided a post stabilizing device including a plurality of interconnecting plates for positioning around a post. Each of the plates has a series of slots formed therein along a length of the plates. And the series of slots includes slots arranged to have at least three different spacing intervals between the slots.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment, there has now been provided a post stabilizing device including a plurality of interconnecting plates for positioning around a post. Each of the plates has a series of slots formed therein along a length of the plates. The plurality of plates includes a first plate having a first arrangement of slots, and a second plate having a second arrangement of slots that is different than the first arrangement of slots.

The present invention also relates to methods for stabilizing posts. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, there has now been provided a method of stabilizing a post comprising the steps of providing a post stabilizing device that includes a plurality of plates interconnecting the plates around a post so that the interconnected plates are not affixed to the post, and driving the interconnected plates at least partially into ground that is or will be surrounding the post. The plates can be driven into the ground before or after the post is placed in the ground. The plates can be interconnected in various manners, including via mating slots. Such slotted plates can employ uniformly spaced slots, variably spaced slots, or a combination of both.

These and various other features of novelty, and their respective advantages, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of aspects of the invention, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment provided by the present invention that includes four plates interconnected around a post.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of one preferred plate configuration having uniformly spaced slots that can be combined with similar or dissimilar plates to define an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial elevation view of another preferred plate configuration having a series of non-uniformly spaced slots that can be combined with similar or dissimilar plates to define an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred post stabilizing devices are made up of four interlocking or interconnecting plates with pre-cut or pre-punched slots. Fewer or greater numbers of plates, besides four, are also contemplated by the present invention. The plates are mated with one another around a post, pole, etc, and driven at least partially into the ground; preferably flush with the ground or below ground level depending on the application. The mated plates can be driven into the ground before or after the post is placed into the ground. Each plate can have multiple slots to accommodate different sized posts, poles, or columns. It makes no difference whether the post is round, square or other shape. It is important that the slots be spaced properly to create a snug fit around the post. The slots can be formed in the plates using various techniques. For example, if the slots are formed in pre-made plate materials, they can be formed by milling, drilling, electric discharge milling, water jet cutting, or other known machining methods. The slots can also be formed when the plates are formed. For example, if the plates are injection molded, the plates and slots are formed substantially simultaneously in the mold as thermoplastic material travels into the mold and cures.

Width, thickness, length of the plates can vary depending on the application, type of soil, size and length of pole, post or column to be stabilized. For example, the plates can be 2 inches to 30 inches in length, {fraction (1/2)} inch to 12 inches in width, and {fraction (1/16)} inch to {fraction (1/2)} inch in thickness. The plates are thin enough to facilitate being driven into the ground, but firm and rigid enough to prevent bending. One preferred plate is 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Another preferred plate is 18 inches long and 3 inches wide. The plates can however be of varying dimensions to accommodate the chosen application. In preferred embodiments, the plates are planar in shape. But the plates can be non-planar also; for example, arcuate. The plates can be made from numerous materials, such as, for example, wood, metal, plastic, recycled materials, and composites. The materials may be degradable and/or dispersible to provide only temporary (days, weeks, or years, for example) stabilization. An example of a degradable and/or dispersible material is polyvinyl alcohol, which can be injection molded into, various desired shaped and sized plates.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary post stabilizing device 10 is shown including four plates 12, 14, 16, and 18 interconnected around a post 20. As shown, device 10 includes two pairs of dissimilar plates (i.e., they have two different slot arrangements). Plates 12 and 14 include six uniformly spaced slots 13, while plates 16 and 18 include two slots (mated with one of the six slots in plates 12 and 14). In alternate embodiments, all four plates are similar in configuration, including size, geometry, and the arrangement slots. As used herein, the term “arrangement” includes number, positioning, size, and geometry. Alternate embodiments of the present invention can also include less than or greater than four interconnecting plates.

In preferred embodiments, the interconnecting plates are not coupled or affixed to the post being stabilized. However, one or more of the plates may employ means for coupling the interconnected plates to the post. For example, a bolt or screw (shown as optional component 30 in FIG. 1) can be placed through a plate and engage the post.

Referring now to FIG. 2, one preferred plate configuration is illustrated. Plate 40 includes two series of slots 42 and 44. Each of the series of slots 42, 44 comprises four uniformly spaced slots 50. Plate 40 has a length 60 and width 62. Slots 50 extend into plate 40 from an edge 64 to preferably half the width of the plate. Another preferred plate configuration is shown in FIG. 3. Plate 70 has only a single series of slots 75 disposed along a length 71 of the plate and proximate a central region 72 of the plate. Series 75 includes seven non-uniformly spaced slots 80-86. As with the plate in FIG. 2, slots 80-86 extend from an edge 73 to about half the width 74 of plate 70. There are three different spacing intervals defined between the slots within series 75: interval 90 between slots 80 and 81, interval 92 between slots 83 and 84, and interval 94 between slots 85 and 86. By way of example only, interval 90 can be {fraction (3/4)} inch, interval 92 can be {fraction (5/8)} inch, and interval 94 can be 1 inch. Alternate spacing intervals, and numbers of spacing intervals, are contemplated by the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the spacing intervals can occur once or more than once.

A post is first inserted into the ground as usual. The interconnecting plates are then placed around the post above the ground and fitted and locked into each other by sliding each plate into the mating slot. Once the plates are locked in position around the post, they are then hammered and driven at least partially into the ground; preferably flush with the ground or slightly below the ground level. In some cases it may be advantageous to drive the post stabilizing device into the ground first, and then drive the post or pole through the center area of the stabilizer. Plates can also have multiple slots to accommodate multiple, most commonly, used size of post, or possibly for clearance on one side of the post, although the maximum stabilization can be obtained by centering the post in the interconnected plates.

The post stabilizing devices of the present invention are preferably used without additional stabilizing materials. However, supplementary stabilizing materials can be used with the devices, including both curing materials, such as, for example, concrete, and non-curing materials, such as, for example, loose gravel or other fill.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Accordingly, changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of features within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

1. A post stabilizing device, comprising: a plurality of plates for positioning around a post, each of the plurality of plates having one or more series of slots formed therein along a length of the plates so that the plates can be interconnected around a variety of different posts; wherein at least one of the plurality of plates has spacing between slots within the one or more series of slots that is non-uniform.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of plates is devoid of any feature for coupling the plate to a post.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates includes four plates.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of plates has a length of from about 12 inches to about 18 inches.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of plates has only a single series of slots.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more series of slots includes at least seven slots.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein all of the plurality of plates has spacing between slots within the one or more series of slots that is non-uniform.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more series of slots is disposed proximate a central region of the plates.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein slots in the one or more series of slots extend from an edge of the plates to about half of the width of the plates.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of plates are planar.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of plates includes a means for engaging a post.
 12. A post stabilizing device, comprising: a plurality of plates for positioning around a post, each of the plurality of plates having a series of slots formed therein along a length of the plates so that the plates can be interconnected around a variety of different posts; wherein the series of slots includes slots arranged to have at least three different spacing intervals between the slots.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of plates includes four plates.
 14. The device of claim 12, wherein spacing intervals between some of the slots in the series of slots is equivalent.
 15. The device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of plates is devoid of any feature for engaging a post.
 16. The device of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of plates includes a means for coupling the plate to a post.
 17. The device of claim 12, wherein one of the at least three different spacing intervals is {fraction (5/8)} inch, {fraction (3/4)} inch, and 1 inch.
 18. The device of claim 12, wherein one of the at least three different spacing intervals is {fraction (3/4)} inch.
 19. The device of claim 12, wherein one of the at least three different spacing intervals is 1 inch.
 20. A post stabilizing device, comprising: a plurality of plates for positioning around a post, each of the plurality of plates having a series of slots formed therein along a length of the plates so that the plates can be interconnected around a variety of different posts, the plurality of plates comprising: a first plate including a first arrangement of slots; and a second plate including a second arrangement of slots that is different than the first arrangement of slots.
 21. A method of stabilizing a post, comprising the steps of: providing a post stabilizing device including a plurality of plates; interconnecting the plurality of plates around a post so that the interconnected plates are not affixed to the post; and driving the interconnected plates at least partially into ground that is or will be surrounding the post.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the post stabilizing device is in accordance with claim
 1. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the post stabilizing device is in accordance with claim
 12. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of plates includes multiple spaced apart slots formed therein along a length of the plates.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein spacing between the multiple spaced apart slots is uniform.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein spacing between the multiple spaced apart slots is non-uniform. 